Police warn of counterfeit $50 and $100 notes in circulation

Police have received reports of false $50 and $100 banknotes circulating and are warning the public to be extra vigilant. Photo / Police

Police have issued a warning to be on the lookout for counterfeit banknotes.

Police said they have received reports of false $50 and $100 banknotes circulating.

“Members of the public, especially those working in retail or hospitality, should increase their knowledge of how to spot a fake banknote to avoid getting duped at the till,” Sergeant Nigel Hurley said.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand recommends the “look-feel-tilt” test to distinguish the official security features of a legitimate banknote:

• When looking through the holographic window, the edges of the window should look smooth, and you should see the bird’s silhouette, a map of NZ and a 3-D feature showing the value of the banknote
• When you run a finger across the words “Reserve Bank of NZ Te Pūtea Matua”, you should be able to feel raised ink on the denomination and the letters at the top
• When tilting the note, a bright shining bar should roll across the bird’s silhouette on the front and the holographic window’s colours should shift and change revealing fine details.

“Anyone who finds a counterfeit note should report it to police as soon as possible,” Hurley said.

Manufacturing counterfeit notes or knowingly passing them on is a serious offence. Possession of forged bank notes can be punishable by up to seven years in prison, or up to 10 for using one.

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